FOR workers with no qualifications a £45k a year salary might seem like a distant dream – but there are jobs that can help you up your skill set as well as your pay packet.
The Sun takes a look at the jobs that help you learn as you earn if you skipped university and thousands of pounds of student debt.
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A new wave of apprenticeships is turning heads by offering eye-catching salaries right from the start, showing that you don’t need a degree to land a high-paying job.
With university costs soaring and graduates in England leaving with debts averaging over £48,000, it’s no surprise that many are rethinking the traditional route.
For those who took out loans after August 2023, the repayment period now stretches to a staggering 40 years, making it harder to plan for milestones like buying a home or starting a family.
Meanwhile, the average graduate salary is just £40,000 a year, according to the Department for Education – only £2,570 higher than the national average salary of £37,430.
So, if you’re weighing up your options after school or college, or even considering a career change, remember that university isn’t the only path to success.
An apprenticeship could be your ticket to a well-paid job, valuable skills, and a debt-free future.
We’ve teamed up with recruitment site Adzuna to crunch the numbers and uncover which apprenticeships offer the best value for money.
More than a dozen of these entry-level roles pay up to £44,962 in the first year – without the burden of tens of thousands of pounds in student loans.
So, what are they? Which apprenticeships offer the highest salaries? And how can you find the perfect role for you?
What are apprenticeships?
FRANCY earning while you learn? An apprenticeship is a real job with training.
You get paid a wage while gaining skills and knowledge in a specific industry.
It’s a brilliant way to get your foot in the door and gain valuable experience without racking up loads of student debt.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over 16, including school leavers and those seeking a career change.
You’ll gain on-the-job training and off-the-job learning, like at a college.
Apprenticeships are available in many industries, from engineering to healthcare.
You can check for local apprenticeships in your area by visiting: gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.
What are the top paying apprenticeships?
Apprentice nurses, who choose to specialise as a health visitor or school nurse, topped the list – and the roles come with average salary of £44,962.
Then there’s a whole bunch of other healthcare roles – like audiologist, physiotherapist, healthcare scientist practitioner, clinical technologist, midwife, and operating department practitioner – where you’re looking at an average of about £36,483.
But it’s not just those wishing to go into the healthcare sector who can cash in on a training scheme.
Apprenticeship insurance officers, who help administrate and manage claims made by customers, can expect to earn £38,560 in their first year – that’s £1,130 more than the average UK salary.
If you’re a bit of a petrolhead, or just good with cars, apprenticeships like vehicle damage assessor and mechanic can net you around £35,000 on average.
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MY RAPID RISE FROM TRAINEE TO CHIEF
FORMER apprentice Grace Hardy has gone from trainee to chief executive in three years.
After studying with accountancy firm Mazars, she set up her own business, Hardy Accounting, last year at the age of 21.
She has already received an apprenticeship recognition award from the Department for Education.
Grace, from Oxford, said: “Having developed all the skills I’ve needed to successfully run a business as an apprentice, I can’t speak highly enough of the opportunity apprenticeships represent.
“It feels like so much less of a gamble to pursue a route where you can get a head start in your career and earn while you learn, rather than accruing endless debts.”
How can I get myself noticed?
Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular, so how can you make your application stand out and secure a spot among the 700,000 people enrolling each year?
Claire Costello, Chief People and Inclusion Officer at supermarket chain Co-op, said: “Preparing your application is an important first step.
“This signals to us that you are serious about joining our team and contributing to our success. So make it count.”
When applying for an apprenticeship, it’s all about making yourself stand out.
Start by tailoring your CV and cover letter to the specific role you’re after.
Highlight the skills, experiences, and qualifications that match the job, and ditch the generic statements.
Instead, focus on what makes you the perfect fit for that role.
Show your passion and enthusiasm too.
Whether it’s in your cover letter or during the interview, explain why you’re excited about the company, the role, and the industry.
Talk about how your values align with theirs and what excites you about the opportunities to learn and grow.
Even if you haven’t had a formal job, don’t worry – you’ve likely got plenty of relevant skills.
Think teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Use examples from school clubs, volunteering, or personal projects to show what you’ve achieved and how it relates to the apprenticeship you want.
Do your homework on the company you’re applying to.
Get to know their mission, values, and culture, and mention what you’ve learned in your application.
It shows you’re really invested and not just sending out generic applications.
Don’t forget to highlight your soft skills, like adaptability, time management, and communication.
Employers value these just as much as technical know-how because they’re essential for thriving in the workplace.
Finally, show that you’re committed to learning and self-improvement.
Whether it’s online courses, workshops, or hobbies, these extras demonstrate your drive to develop new skills and grow personally and professionally.
How to find the right apprenticeship for you
FRANCIS Bunch, of the National Careers Service, shares his tips to help you find the right one.
He said: “Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to combine real work with training and study.
“They are a great entry route into lots of industries – from creative to clean energy and construction.”
How to decide if an apprenticeship is right for you: Anyone can become an apprentice, whether you are starting work or changing career.
If you can, get some relevant work experience beforehand, to help understand more about the sector or role. You will also gain skills that employers need. Search Skills For Life to find out more.
How to find an apprenticeship: There are more than 660 types of apprenticeships available in the UK.
See the gov.uk website or talk to your local careers adviser by contacting the National Careers Service.
Which course? Apprenticeships take between one and six years to complete, depending on what type, which level and your previous experience.
For people with little or no experience, an intermediate (Levels 2 or 3) is a good place to start. You can progress with advanced (Levels 4 or 5) and higher and degree apprenticeships (Levels 6 and 7).
Top tips to ace your application: When you have found one you are interested in, either complete an application form or submit a CV and covering letter.
The National Careers Service has guidance on how to write a CV, how to write your letter, and application form advice.
Set yourself up for success: Be open-minded and embrace every opportunity that comes your way.
You will usually complete 20% of your studies at college or with a training provider, so it is important to make time to learn and stay organised, particularly for those juggling family or other commitments outside work.
